National Dish Greece: Bakaliaros Skordalia (Recipe)
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Few dishes capture the sun-soaked spirit of the Mediterranean quite like Bakaliaros Skordalia. Crisp, golden-fried cod meets a punchy, velvety garlic sauce in a pairing that is at once rustic and refined. Whether you set it out as part of a generous meze spread or serve it as a hearty main, this Greek classic delivers big flavour and a satisfying contrast of textures with every bite. Bring a taste of a seaside taverna straight to your own table.
About Bakaliaros Skordalia
Bakaliaros Skordalia is a traditional Greek dish that beautifully captures the flavours of the Mediterranean. At its heart sits crisp fried cod, served alongside an aromatic garlic sauce known as skordalia. The combination offers more than just a wonderful taste — it brings a lovely play of textures that delights with every mouthful. Whether it forms part of a meze buffet or stands proudly as a main course, Bakaliaros Skordalia is a delicious choice that wins over locals and visitors alike.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 400 g cod fillet (fresh or frozen)
- 100 g plain flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- Oil, for frying
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 200 ml olive oil
- 50 ml white wine vinegar
- Water, as needed
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Bakaliaros Skordalia, choosing fresh ingredients is key to getting the very best flavour. Visit a local fishmonger or a well-stocked supermarket to find good-quality cod. Look for fish that smells fresh and clean, with clear, bright eyes. For the garlic sauce, high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic are just as important to the final taste, so it pays to seek out the best you can find.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin cooking your Bakaliaros Skordalia, rinse the cod thoroughly and cut it into portions. Pat it dry with kitchen paper to remove any excess moisture — this helps you achieve a much nicer crust once the fish is fried. At the same time, prepare the ingredients for the garlic sauce by peeling the garlic and roughly chopping it, so everything is ready to come together quickly.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper and paprika.
- Dip the cod into the seasoned flour, coating it well all over.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a deep, heavy pan.
- Fry the cod in batches in the hot oil until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain the fried cod on kitchen paper to remove any excess oil.
- Meanwhile, crush the garlic in a mortar and mix it with the olive oil and white wine vinegar.
- Loosen with a little water until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
- Arrange the cod with the garlic sauce alongside and serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of Bakaliaros Skordalia, swap the wheat flour for cornflour or rice flour. These alternatives give a similarly crisp coating without any gluten. The dish is naturally lactose-free, but it is still worth checking that staples such as the olive oil and vinegar contain no hidden dairy. That way the recipe stays suitable for every dietary preference and just as delicious.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Although Bakaliaros Skordalia is traditionally made with fish, you can create a vegan version by replacing the cod with fried aubergine or seitan. Both bring a hearty texture that pairs beautifully with the aromatic garlic sauce. Chickpeas or tofu also work well if you want a protein-rich side. Prepared this way, the meal echoes the flavour of the original while staying entirely plant-based — much like the chickpea-based Revithokeftedes.
More tips and tricks
A useful tip when making Bakaliaros Skordalia is to marinate the fish lightly before frying to add extra flavour. A little lemon juice brightens the cod and keeps it tasting fresh. Make sure the oil is properly hot before you add the pieces, too — this stops the fish from soaking up grease as it fries and ensures a wonderfully crisp outer layer. A quick dish becomes even more delicious with these small touches.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for Bakaliaros Skordalia is easy to adapt to personal taste. Stir a few herbs such as parsley or dill into the garlic sauce for a fresh note, for example. You can vary the spices too — a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a lively kick for those who like a little heat. Try different combinations to create your perfect version of the dish, one that suits your own palate exactly.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have fresh garlic cloves to hand, garlic powder makes a quick stand-in for the sauce. Avocado oil can replace the olive oil for a different but equally tasty result. For a deeper, smokier flavour, try adding a little smoked paprika — it lends the dish an intriguing edge. Be creative with your choices, the same spirit you’ll find in a rustic Skordopsomo garlic bread.
Drink pairing ideas
A number of drinks pair well with Bakaliaros Skordalia, supporting its savoury, aromatic character. A cool, dry white wine such as Retsina or a fragrant Sauvignon Blanc makes a wonderful partner. Alternatively, a refreshing homemade lemonade helps to balance the richness of the fried fish and the garlic sauce. Whatever you choose, serve it well chilled to make the meal even more enjoyable.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can play a big part in the enjoyment of Bakaliaros Skordalia. Serve the cod on a stylish plate and garnish it with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. Set the garlic sauce in a small bowl alongside so guests can help themselves to as much as they like. A few lemon wedges or a crisp salad next to the fish round off the picture and make the dish look all the more inviting — a lemony note that also shines in Youvarlakia in Lemon Sauce.
A bit of history
Bakaliaros Skordalia has been enjoyed in Greece for centuries and is deeply woven into Greek culture. The dish is often served on special holidays and feast days, particularly during periods of fasting when many people abstain from animal products. In Greek tradition the cod symbolises abundance and prosperity, while garlic stands for health and protection. In this way the dish embodies not just a culinary pleasure but the rich history and heritage of Greek cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Bakaliaros Skordalia
To sum up, Bakaliaros Skordalia is a delicious example of Mediterranean cooking at its best. The combination of crisp fried cod and creamy garlic sauce is both hearty and full of flavour. Whether you serve it as a main course or as part of a buffet, this dish is sure to delight anyone who appreciates Greek gastronomy. Let it inspire you and bring this traditional recipe to life in your own kitchen!
